Brynjar Gunnarsson to stay a loyal Royal

Brynjar Gunnarsson has committed his future to Royals by signing a one-year contract extension.

The 33-year-old midfielder had been offered the chance to extend his stay at Madejski Stadium several months ago and had been mulling over the deal on the table.

Now, the Icelandic international who has made more than 100 appearances in a Royals shirt and scored 10 goals, will be one of the most experienced members of the squad after the club released captain Graeme Murty, goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann and defender Michael Duberry at the end of the season.

And after signing on Gunnarsson confessed: “There was never any doubt, I always wanted to stay and the club wanted me so it was fairly easy to get everything done.

“It is a time when there are a lot of changes and some players were not offered contracts so I was very pleased the club wanted to keep me.

“When Steve Coppell left I was a little bit concerned about what might happen, but I’m happy it is all sorted.”

And Gunnarsson added: “My family are happy and settled in Reading and I have had a great time here. I’m also looking forward to the future under the new manager.

“It’s exciting times and I’m now looking forward to pre-season.”

The defensive midfielder has earned more than 60 caps for Iceland and even captained them.

He played for Iceland in their World Cup Qualifying games at the end of the season, but was unable to help his country secure a place at the tournament in South Africa next year.

Gunnarsson played for Stoke City and Nottingham Forest before signing from Watford in 2005.

And Royals’ director of football Nick Hammond believes his experience will be vital for the younger squad members.

Hammond added: “I’m very pleased that Brynjar has signed.

“He is a very good player, his quality gives him great versatility and he continues to set a good example for the younger players.